The Dog Parentology Podcast

Sparky Smith, MSST, ISCP.DIP.CANINE.PRAC., IAABC - CDBC, MCMA, SSBB
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Welcome to "The Dog Parentology Podcast," your ultimate resource for Veterinarians, Dog-Parents, and Professional Dog Behaviourists. Here are three compelling reasons why you should tune in and transform the way you understand and care for dogs: Reason 1: Democratizing Systems Thinking, Theory, and Dynamics (STTD) for Animal Care Discover the profound benefits of Systems Thinking, Theory, and Dynamics (STTD) in providing exceptional dog and animal care.Why It Matters: STTD offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing complex behavioral issues in dogs.What You'll Gain: By listening to our podcast, you’ll gain practical insights and knowledge that you can apply immediately, empowering you to provide better care for your dogs and share this wisdom with family and friends.Reason 2: Bridging Dog-Human Brain and Body Connections Understanding the complex connections between the dog’s brain, human brain, and body is crucial for helping adopted dogs not just survive but thrive.Why It Matters: Many adopted dogs require more than basic training; they need a deep, empathetic understanding of their unique needs.What You'll Gain: Our podcast will equip you with essential knowledge to nurture these connections, ensuring your adopted dogs flourish in their new homes.Reason 3: Compassionate Care and Global Impact Caring for dogs with compassion and gentleness is intrinsically linked to addressing global challenges.Why It Matters: Healing a troubled dog can create a ripple effect that benefits our planet and society.What You'll Gain: Learn how your efforts in caring for dogs contribute to larger societal and environmental well-being, making your role as a dog-parent or professional even more impactful.Plan to join us on "The Dog Parentology Podcast" and be part of a transformative journey. Together, we’ll explore innovative approaches to dog care, deepen our understanding of the human-dog bond, and make a positive difference in the world. Subscribe now and start your journey towards becoming a more knowledgeable and compassionate dog caregiver. ​

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  1. Reimagining a Dog Psychology Centre- The Future of Complex Behavioural Recovery with Roman Gottfried

    EPISODE 1

    Reimagining a Dog Psychology Centre- The Future of Complex Behavioural Recovery with Roman Gottfried

    Reimagining a Dog Psychology Centre: The Future of Complex Behavioural Recovery with Roman Gottfried In this episode of Dog Parentology, we challenge conventional approaches to dog behaviour, dog training, and dog psychology with a thought-provoking conversation on complex behavioural recovery. Host Sparky, Canine Psychologist and Behaviourist, is joined by Roman Gottfried, a holistic behaviour consultant with a background in systems thinking and product engineering, to discuss what truly defines a Dog Psychology Centre—not as a facility, but as an ecosystem of ideas, collaboration, and science-driven rehabilitation. 🔹 Key topics covered: • Behavioural euthanasia: When is it truly the only option, and when is it a failure of the system? • Dog trauma and neurobiology: Understanding the hidden influences of genetics, early development, and environmental factors. • Dog trainers, veterinarians, and dog behaviourists: The missing collaboration between professionals that leads to treatment gaps. • Canine neurobiology and system science (CNSS): A new way to assess and rehabilitate behaviour beyond basic training models. • The role of dog parents in recovery: Why intuition, observation, and co-regulation matter as much as professional expertise. For dog professionals, veterinarians, and dedicated dog parents, this episode provides a deep dive into dog behaviour analysis, holistic education, and interdisciplinary teamwork, reshaping the way we approach complex cases in canine rehabilitation. Subscribe, review, and engage: Join the conversation and share your experiences in the comments. Exclusive for Patrons: Get a Listening Guide to accompany this episode—track key insights, take notes, and apply what you learn to your own dog or practice. Become a Patron today for the cost of a small coffee.https://www.patreon.com/c/DogParentologyPodcast #DogBehaviour #DogPsychology #DogTrainer #DogBehaviourist #DogConsultant #DogPsychologyCenter #Veterinarian #VeterinarianCareer #SpiritualWellness #HolisticEducation #HolisticHealing #DogTraining #CanineNeurobiology #DogRehabilitation

    1h 4m
  2. Comprehensive Education on Medication and Dogs

    EPISODE 3

    Comprehensive Education on Medication and Dogs

    Do you have a dog struggling with anxiety, behavioural challenges, or chronic stress? With more caregivers being told to “ask your vet about medication,” this episode clears the fog. In this podcast episode, Sparky, Canine Psychologist and Systems Thinker in Canine Neurobiological Systems Science, provides a deep dive into the nuanced world of dog mental health treatments. Episode Overview: Demystifying Medication Myths and Realities This isn’t just another surface-level conversation. It’s a carefully structured, science-grounded discussion that challenges common assumptions and equips dog parents, behaviourists, and veterinarians with concrete strategies and clear thinking. Who Should Watch: Dog parents, professional behaviourists, and veterinarians seeking clarity on medication decisions. Key Learning Objectives: 1. Pre-Medication Foundations Before considering any medication intervention, understanding the broader system around your dog is essential. Sparky outlines what must be tracked, recorded, and trialled first—including daily observations, environmental context, and how to recognise patterns of dysregulation. 2. Medication Landscape Sparky addresses five myths shared widely by content creators online. She discusses the difference between natural and pharmaceutical options, how both carry risks, and what’s rarely mentioned about dosing, safety, and observable effect. 3. Neurobiological Insights The episode explains how behaviours link to chemical activity in the dog’s brain—especially in cases of trauma, chronic stress, or overstimulation. You’ll learn what neurotransmitters are likely active in common behavioural patterns, and what medications actually do to shift those patterns. 4. Practical Guidance Each group plays a different role in medication success: Dog Parents: How to prepare documentation for your vet, observe for medication response, and stay engaged after prescription. Behaviourists: How to integrate medication support into broader interventions and build trust without over-relying on meds. Vets: Clinical patterns to assess, how to use behavioural reports to inform decisions, and when to trial vs. refer. Scientific Rigor Meets Compassionate Care This episode revisits key ideas from Season 1 while expanding into new territory. Sparky connects scientific thinking with lived experience, aiming to guide—not overwhelm—those facing serious behavioural issues. Balanced Approach You’ll hear why there’s no “safe” vs “unsafe” divide between treatment types—only matched or mismatched strategies. Behavioural, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and environmental interventions are examined side by side. Chapters: 1:30–9:28 Building a Foundation 9:29–15:47 Addressing Medication Fears 15:48–24:17 Brain Chemistry & Neurotransmitters 24:18–32:00 Your Role Isn’t Passive—It’s Pivotal Why This Matters Too often, dogs are labelled as “beyond help” or medicated without groundwork. This episode explains how to work through uncertainty, build a profile of your dog’s behaviour, and take next steps responsibly. Resources: ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sparky-Smith Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DogParentologyPodcast Like what you heard? Subscribe for future episodes and share with caregivers or colleagues trying to make informed, humane choices in complex cases. Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information and is not intended to replace veterinary consultation. Always consult a qualified vet for medication advice.

    32 min
  3. 5 Steps to Stop a Dog Biting, Compassionately, with Canine Psychologist, Sparky Smith

    EPISODE 4

    5 Steps to Stop a Dog Biting, Compassionately, with Canine Psychologist, Sparky Smith

    Is your dog biting — or on the verge of it? In this episode, Sparky, Canine Psychologist, offers a clear and compassionate approach to understanding and preventing biting behaviours without using force, fear, or obedience training. You’ll learn: How your dog’s world shapes their behaviour (Step 1: Look Around)How to use a colour-coded system to track emotional states (Step 2: Colour-Code It)How to build a real, two-way dialogue with your dog (Step 3: Speak With Your Dog)How to reach them during stressful moments (Step 4: Deepen the Dialogue)And how to help them feel brave again (Step 5: Build Courage)These five steps draw from Canine Neurobiological Systems Science and are designed to help caregivers build lasting trust and behavioural stability, especially for dogs who have been misunderstood or have learned to use their teeth to cope. Leave a comment below: What colour would you say your dog spends most of their day in?

    12 min
  4. Unsolvable Dog Behaviour Case - so we upended their LIFESTYLE!

    EPISODE 5

    Unsolvable Dog Behaviour Case - so we upended their LIFESTYLE!

    In this powerful episode of the Dog Parentology Podcast, Sparky is joined by Jonah Meller an independent Dog Behaviourist, (PivotalChangeToronto@gmail.com) to revisit the case of Kodak—a dog with severe behavioural issues that resisted every traditional method. Together, we explore how applying Canine Neurobiological Systems Science (CNSS) led to remarkable and lasting changes—not just for Kodak, but for his entire family system. Through Jonah’s perspective, we unpack how systems thinking, caregiver capacity, and neurobiological insight made it possible to reach a dog others had given up on. This is more than a case study—it’s a moving account of what becomes possible when we stop treating behaviours as symptoms and begin shifting the system itself. Key topics covered in this episode: • Dog reactivity • Behavioural issues in COVID dogs • Systems-based dog behaviour support using CNSS • Real-world application of CNSS • Family dynamics in canine rehabilitation • Why conventional dog training sometimes fails • A case that redefined the role of the caregiver Perfect for dog behaviourists, vet professionals, and dog parents navigating complex canine behaviour challenges. Advice, questions and cases for Jonah - contact him at pivotalchangetoronto@gmail.com Learn more about CNSS and systems thinking in dog behaviour at www.dogparentology.com Subscribe for more real cases and evidence-based insights in canine behaviour care. © 2025 Sparky. CNSS and all related frameworks are proprietary to Sparky, Canine Psychologist. No use or citation without written permission.

    25 min
  5. Why Behavioural Medication Fails — And What Makes It Work

    EPISODE 6

    Why Behavioural Medication Fails — And What Makes It Work

    When a caregiver tells me, “I don’t think the medication is working anymore,” I don’t question their commitment. I question the system around the dog. In this episode, I take you inside a case that started with good intentions, a prescription for fluoxetine, and no plan beyond the pill. Three years later, the dog was still struggling—and no one could explain why. We’ll look at: The common failure points in how behavioural medication is introduced and sustainedWhy medication without caregiver support, co-regulation, or behavioural tracking often leads to stagnationWhat needs to be in place before, during, and after medication to ensure it helpsThe concept of White Pathway moments—and why spotting them changes everythingThis isn’t a critique of medication. It’s a call for clarity, structure, and shared responsibility. Because when behavioural medication is the only thing in place, we don’t know what it’s helping—or what it’s missing. Whether you’re a professional, a vet, or a caregiver making hard decisions, this episode offers a structured, hopeful approach to using medication within a plan—not as the plan. Want to learn more, read my academic paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391899664_Systems_Thinking_in_Dog_Medication

    1h 28m

  6. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Medication and Dogs for the Professional - Teaser

    If you’re a professional who’s grown tired of shallow debates around behavioural medication, this episode is for you. We examine the clinical role of medication through a systems lens — grounded in neuroscience, trauma psychology, and caregiver capacity. What if the issue isn’t overmedication — but late, unstructured intervention? What if we’re failing to distinguish suppression from resolution? This is a preview of the full Dog Parentology Podcast episode. It includes new decision frameworks, tracking indicators, and practical guides for use in real casework. Available now — Dog Parentology Podcast.

    1 min
See All Season 2 (6)

Trailer

About

Welcome to "The Dog Parentology Podcast," your ultimate resource for Veterinarians, Dog-Parents, and Professional Dog Behaviourists. Here are three compelling reasons why you should tune in and transform the way you understand and care for dogs: Reason 1: Democratizing Systems Thinking, Theory, and Dynamics (STTD) for Animal Care Discover the profound benefits of Systems Thinking, Theory, and Dynamics (STTD) in providing exceptional dog and animal care.Why It Matters: STTD offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing complex behavioral issues in dogs.What You'll Gain: By listening to our podcast, you’ll gain practical insights and knowledge that you can apply immediately, empowering you to provide better care for your dogs and share this wisdom with family and friends.Reason 2: Bridging Dog-Human Brain and Body Connections Understanding the complex connections between the dog’s brain, human brain, and body is crucial for helping adopted dogs not just survive but thrive.Why It Matters: Many adopted dogs require more than basic training; they need a deep, empathetic understanding of their unique needs.What You'll Gain: Our podcast will equip you with essential knowledge to nurture these connections, ensuring your adopted dogs flourish in their new homes.Reason 3: Compassionate Care and Global Impact Caring for dogs with compassion and gentleness is intrinsically linked to addressing global challenges.Why It Matters: Healing a troubled dog can create a ripple effect that benefits our planet and society.What You'll Gain: Learn how your efforts in caring for dogs contribute to larger societal and environmental well-being, making your role as a dog-parent or professional even more impactful.Plan to join us on "The Dog Parentology Podcast" and be part of a transformative journey. Together, we’ll explore innovative approaches to dog care, deepen our understanding of the human-dog bond, and make a positive difference in the world. Subscribe now and start your journey towards becoming a more knowledgeable and compassionate dog caregiver. ​

Information

  • Creator
    Sparky Smith, MSST, ISCP.DIP.CANINE.PRAC., IAABC - CDBC, MCMA, SSBB
  • Episodes
    16
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sparky Smith 2024
  • Show Website
    The Dog Parentology Podcast